Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As we usher in the new year, the excitement around the latest MacBook releases, like the stunning new MacBook Air, is palpable. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and hesitant to switch, fear not—there are exceptional alternatives that can match or even exceed the MacBook's allure. My top recommendation? The Asus Zenbook S 16, a powerhouse that stands out as an ideal MacBook substitute.

TL;DR - The Best MacBook Alternatives:

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

4See it at Best Buy### Acer Swift Go 16

2See it at Acer### Asus Zenbook S 14

1See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy### Asus TUF Gaming A14

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Asus### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftChoosing a laptop that can rival the MacBook's reputation requires careful consideration. The ideal alternative must be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, equipped with a superior screen, and boast a battery that lasts through a full workday. I've scoured through numerous reviews to pinpoint the laptops that truly embody these qualities and can serve as worthy substitutes for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or even as a versatile 2-in-1 device for creative professionals.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as a compelling Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, offering an unparalleled blend of portability and performance. This laptop is a delight to carry and use daily. See it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (2880 x 1800)CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUAMD Radeon 890MRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight3.31 poundsSize13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"Battery lifeAround 15 hoursPROSThin, light, and exceptionally portableHigh performance while still offering great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performanceCONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the ultimate MacBook Pro alternative, particularly for those seeking a larger screen. Its slim and lightweight design doesn't compromise on performance, making it ideal for productivity and demanding tasks like 4K video editing. Its aesthetic appeal is unmatched, featuring a sleek Ceraluminum lid and meticulously crafted details that scream premium quality.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, this laptop boasts 12 cores and 24 threads, with a max clock speed of 5.1GHz, ensuring top-notch performance across various applications, including gaming. While it may not match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, its battery life is impressive, offering up to 15 hours of use at moderate screen brightness.

The Zenbook S 16's connectivity options surpass those of the MacBook, featuring dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out port. Its 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) supports multi-touch, providing flexibility in input methods and dynamic refresh rates between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals.

The only downside is its tendency to heat up, though this is mitigated when used on a desk, making it a minor trade-off for the numerous advantages it offers.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a budget-friendly MacBook Air alternative, boasting a high-resolution OLED screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek, lightweight design. See it at AcerProduct SpecificationsDisplay16" (3200 x 2000), OLED multitouchCPUIntel Core Ultra 5 125HGPUIntel ArcRAM8GBStorage512GBWeight3.53 poundsDimensions14.02" x 0.59" x 9.55"PROSHigh resolution OLED displayThin, light, and portableGreat battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storageFor those on a budget, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent choice. At under $1,000, it delivers a stunning 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution, ensuring a vibrant and clear viewing experience.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it offers sufficient performance for everyday tasks and light creative work, enhanced by a neural processing unit for AI functionalities. However, its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage may limit multitasking and handling large files, making it suitable for users who primarily work with a few applications at a time.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is a formidable MacBook Air alternative, boasting superior performance, an exceptional screen, multi-day battery life, and a stunning design. See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsDisplay14" (2880 x 1800)CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258VGPUIntel ArcRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.65 poundsSize12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51"Battery life15+ hoursPROSThinner, lighter, and more powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a blend of high performance and portability. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, which delivers impressive performance across various tasks, including gaming.

Weighing just 2.65 pounds and less than half an inch thick, the Zenbook S 14 is incredibly easy to carry, often making it easy to forget you're even carrying a laptop. Its battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours in formal testing, making it ideal for extended use.

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is a standout feature, offering vivid colors and HDR capabilities, perfect for both productivity and entertainment. Despite lacking a microSD card reader, its overall performance and design make it a top choice for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative.

Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos

10 Images4. Asus TUF Gaming A14

Best MacBook Pro 14 Alternative

Product SpecificationsDisplay14” (2560 x 1600) IPSCPUAMD Ryzen 7 8845HS to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUNvidia RTX 4060RAM16GB to 32GB (7500MHz)Storage1TBWeight3.2 poundsDimensions12.24" x 8.94" x 0.67" – 0.78"PROSImpressive battery lifeQuiet, efficient coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ultimate MacBook Pro 14 alternative, offering a perfect blend of power, portability, and performance. It's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at just 3.2 pounds, and its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it an excellent choice for gamers.

Available in three configurations, the TUF Gaming A14 offers flexibility with processor and RAM options. The entry-level model, equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, making it ideal for creatives and power users. Its cooling system is remarkably quiet and efficient, ensuring a comfortable user experience.

Battery life is commendable, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, which can be extended using Advanced Optimus to manage GPU usage. While the higher-end models are pricey, the TUF Gaming A14 remains an excellent choice for those who need a powerful Windows laptop.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an exceptional 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook, ideal for creatives and those seeking versatility in a portable package. See it at AmazonSee it at MicrosoftProduct SpecificationsDisplay13-inch OLED or LCD touchscreen (2,880 x 1,920)CPUSnapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X EliteGPUIntegratedRAMUp to 64GBStorageUp to 1TB (expandable)Weight1.97 poundsDimensions11.3” x 8.2” x 0.37”PROSOLED display is excellentVery portable and easy to carry through the daySnappy performanceGreat accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day batteryApp compatibility is still expanding (though is fairly extensive already)For creative professionals and those needing a versatile device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 stands out. Its 2-in-1 form factor is perfect for digital artists, while its Snapdragon X processors offer efficiency and performance comparable to Apple's M-series chips.

The Surface Pro 11 can be customized with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a powerhouse for creative applications. Its OLED or LCD display options provide crisp visuals, and its lightweight design at just 1.97 pounds ensures easy portability.

While its battery life tops out at around 10 hours, the fast-charging feature is a convenient addition. However, potential buyers should note that not all applications are instantly compatible due to its ARM architecture, though the app library is expanding.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the myriad of MacBook alternatives can be daunting. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find a laptop that truly meets your needs:

Processor: Opt for a processor with at least six cores, ideally eight, for optimal performance. Aim for the highest clock speed available, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid outdated generations unless your needs are minimal.

Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking and longevity. While 8GB might suffice for basic tasks, it's the bare minimum in today's standards.

Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB may be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but for larger files or extensive local storage, 512GB or 1TB is preferable.

Display: Aim for at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer sharper images but may impact performance for video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and size, as well as whether a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary for your needs.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's M3 and M4 chips set a high bar for efficiency and performance. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are strong contenders, though Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run many games, they have fewer compatible titles and less optimization compared to Windows gaming laptops, making them less ideal for avid gamers.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice between MacBook and PC depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and efficiency, while PCs offer a broader software ecosystem and are preferred for gaming due to wider game availability and optimization.